Wind energy guidelines
Why do we need wind energy policy and guidelines?
There is a widespread consensus on the need to move towards
sustainability in energy provision. Renewable energy
technologies are diverse and, therefore, have very different
effects upon the local environment.
There is a need, therefore, to balance the benefits
and disadvantages of wind energy development.
We think the approved policy and guidelines provide a balance
between national planning guidance with the needs and concerns of
local communities.
Do other technologies have some potential?
In Perth and Kinross, the renewable energy technologies that
offer the greatest potential, at least in the short term, in
addition to the existing large-scale hydro schemes, are wind
energy, small-scale hydro and the use of forest residues.
Modern wind energy technologies and developments offer
opportunities in supporting and developing the economy of Perth and
Kinross to our benefit. However, wind farms, especially on a
large scale, may have significant local impacts on the
environment.
What is the purpose of the policy and guidelines?
The purpose of the policy and guidance note is to enable the
wind energy industry to expand, but not at the cost of the natural
and built environment.
The detailed policy guidance covers the following -
landscape impacts; visual impacts; cumulative landscape and visual
impacts; biodiversity; cumulative ornithological impacts;
operational impacts; water resources; aviation interests; carbon
sinks; decommissioning and re-instatement; and the protection of
wind energy developments.
The guidelines provide -
- the objective for individual policy
guidelines
- detailed guidance on the interpretation of the
guidelines
- the design measures which would help mitigate
the impact
- an indication of how proposals for either planning applications
or S36 applications should be evaluated against
the guidelines
Where can I get a copy of the approved the wind energy policy
and guidelines?
The Enterprise & Infrastructure Committee approved the
revised its meeting on Wednesday 20 April 2005. The
approved policy
and guidelines [PDF: 221Kb] are supplementary planning guidance
on wind energy developments. We will use them to assess planning
applications and S36 proposals to be determined by Scottish
Ministers.
Have any other studies been done?
We together with Clackmannanshire Council and Scottish Natural
Heritage commissioned David Tyldesley Associates to look at the
capacity of the landscapes in the Ochils and the area between
Crieff, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld to accommodate wind
farms.
You can view the report - Landscape Study
- Windfarm development in the Ochil Hills and part of Southern
Highland Perthshire [PDF: 3.6Mb].
